SYDNEY—The Liberal and National parties should merge, but reshaping the coalition isn't the most pressing issue facing the alternative Government, says Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson.
Liberal senator Nick Minchin said on Saturday that the parties had to merge to remain a competitive adversary to the ALP's federal and state dominance.
Addressing the Young Liberal Movement National Convention in Perth, Senator Minchin said "we can no longer afford the luxury of two separate organisations on the right-hand side of Australian politics".
Today, Dr Nelson said he was disposed to the idea of a merger and it should be "driven federally".
However, he said it wasn't a priority and there was no time for navel-gazing right now.
Dr Nelson said the country was facing a falling share market, increases in home interest rates and higher grocery and petrol prices.
"It's going to be a damn tough year for Australia (and) we've got to make sure that we're an effective alternative Government that keeps Mr Rudd up to the plate and offers positive solutions for everyday Australians," Dr Nelson said.
He said a merger would have many benefits, including pooling resources and assets, but warned "as with any merger of any two organisations the complexity and the difficulties are not to be underestimated".
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